10 Ways To Dress To Inspire
Last year we took a look at gorgeous social giving accessories from Article 22, The Giving Keys, Half United and many other conscious brands. December’s Conscious Biggest Holiday Gift Guide featured fashionable finds for men and women from Apolis, Lasting Smiles, Me to We and a variety of other savvy conscious style brands.
This month’s style column focuses on changing the conversation in fashion by highlighting inspirational mantras that offer a positive perspective by thinking good (naturally) and by giving back (effortlessly)!
01 | Good hYOUman: Give Up on Giving Up – Unisex Raglan Sweatshirt, $55
02 | Good hYOUman: Everything I Need is In Here – Women’s Coco Pocket Tee, $37
Signature Style: good hYOUman is an apparel brand created by Brett Novek in honor of his late father David Novek, who passed away from cancer. The line offers a variety of loose fit, slouchy, cotton blend t-shirts and sweats. The line recently launched in Kitson stores in LA and can be available online. Prices range from $10-55 USD.
Conversation Starters: good hYOUman necklaces, beanies and kids wear are available and select products donate a portion of the item’s proceeds to a new charity (each month) that support the fight against cancer. All product hang tags share Brett’s story. Each season select hang tags feature a new inspirational story from individuals in the good hYOUman community.
03 | The Giving Keys: Inspire Others Unisex Sleeveless Tee, $49
Signature Style: Simple words with big meaning. That’s what The Giving Keys are all about. The accessory-focused brand now offers apparel that continues to inspire everyone and support those transitioning out of homelessness. From the infamous Giving Key necklaces, the brand has now expanded to include iPhone covers, beanies, stickers, apparel, rings and more. Prices range from $25-$95.
Conversation Starters: The Giving Keys exists to employ those transitioning out of homelessness to make jewelry out of repurposed keys that get sold and shared around the world. The latest addition to The Giving Keys family is a line of simple sleeveless t-shirts and sweatshirts. Other House of G&C favorites include: Let Go Sleeveless Tank, and Pay It Forward Sweatshirt.
04 | Sevenly: Hello Flowy Women’s V-NeckTee, $26
05 | Sevenly: 7 Words Mens Tee, $24
Signature Style: Sevenly is a social giving brand that was founded in 2011 by four people who shared the mission of leading a generation toward generosity. Based on a core belief that “People Matter,” they began a journey to do their part in helping to change the world for the better. Signature Sevenly products include one of a kind graphic designs on t-shirts, tanks, hoodies and printed artwork. Prices range from $24-50 USD.
Conversation Starters: Sevenly exists to bring funding and awareness to the world’s greatest causes. Every item purchased on Sevenly.org gives $7 to the current week’s designated charity. Many items are exclusive, limited edition products. Other House of G&C favorites include: Malala Quote Flowy V-Neck and Our Voices Change the World Tee.
06 | Love is Louder: Love is Louder than ___________ tee, $22
Signature Style: The #LoveisLouder movement strives to amplify the momentum of other inspiring online campaigns and invite anyone who has felt mistreated, misunderstood or isolated into the conversation. Proceeds of Love is Louder products benefit The Jed Foundation, exists to promote emotional health and prevent suicide among college and university students. Prices range from $10-26 USD.
Conversation Starters: Love is Louder was started by actress Brittany Snow, The Jed Foundation and MTV to build on the outpouring of support online after the lives of multiple teenagers were lost to suicide in September 2010. Donate, shop, or take an action photo to contribute to the #LoveisLouder movement. Other House of G&C favorites include: Love is Louder Limited Edition Headphones and Love is Louder Bracelet.
07 | Krochet Kids International: LOVE Africa Tee, $27
Signature Style: Krochet Kids International exists to empower women with the resources to rise above poverty. KKi products include t-shirts for men and women, scarves, headwear, bags, and kids wear. KKi empowerment programs are based in Peru and Uganda. Prices range from $19 – $100.
Conversation Starters: The Krochet Kids International #KnowWhoMadeIt campaign encourages supporters to learn the story of who made their KKi product and to send them a personal thank you. Jhovana Guzman made my Watchman beanie. Who’s going to make your next KKi product?
08 | To Write Love on Her Arms: Dear You Throwback Unisex Sweatshirt, $35
Signature Style: To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire, and invest directly into treatment and recovery. TWLOHA apparel features quotes, lyrics and poems from collaborators and generally tend to be limited edition items that sell out quickly. Prices range from $18- $40.
Conversation Starters: In 2006, To Write Love on Her Arms founder Jamie Tworkowski wrote a story about a friend struggling with depression, addiction, and self- injury. The title, “To Write Love on Her Arms,” also represented a goal—to believe that a better life was possible. A MySpace page was created to give the story a home, and T-shirts were sold to pay for the friend’s treatment. Over the years, TWLOHA grew to become much more than a blog and a T-shirt. Through musician support, tours, and social media, the message of hope and help has continued to reach a growing audience of supporters.
09 | TOMS: Carpe Diem Vintage Tee, $28
Signature Style: TOMS Shoes has provided over 35 million pairs of shoes to children since 2006, and TOMS Eyewear has restored sight to over 250,000 since launching in 2011. It only makes sense that TOMS apparel would also offer the same One for One giving model. “Carpe Diem” means “Seize the Day,” a great motto to keep in mind for a great New Year. With every shirt you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. Prices range from $24-140 USD.
Conversation Starters: TOMS humble beginnings happened unintentionally. While traveling in Argentina in 2006, founder Blake Mycoskie witnessed the hardships faced by children growing up without shoes. His solution to the problem was simple, yet revolutionary: to create a for-profit business that was sustainable and not reliant on donations. His vision soon turned into the simple business idea that provided a powerful foundation for TOMS. But Blake, having recognized other vital needs during his travels around the world, realized that One for One® could be applied to more than shoes. In 2014, TOMS Roasting Company was founded with the mission to provide clean water to developing communities with the purchase of premium coffee.
10 | Half United: Giving Back is the New Black Women’s Tee, $36
Signature Style: Half United is an accessories-focused social giving brand that is known for its Fighting Hunger Necklaces featuring recycled bullet casings hand-dipped in beautiful, bold colors that are made in the USA and also made from materials sourced from local businesses. Half United expanded to include bracelets, earrings, and apparel. Now introducing quirky and colorful stationary with a fun Half United x Denik journal collaboration. Prices range from $12- $118.
Conversation Starters: Half United donates HALF of all profits from every product sold directly towards fighting the global hunger epidemic. HALF UNITED has given over 115 thousand meals to children in need since 2010. Other House of G&C favorites include: HU Stamp Men’s Tee and Carry It All Set – Black.
Photos: All photos courtesy of brand
Stay tuned for next month: Conscious Picks on Handmade Gifts for Valentine’s Day
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FROM THE EDITOR
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